Yarra Glen hosted Yea in another must win for the senior footy team.
In sunny conditions, Yea had first use of the wind that favoured the River end.
Jack Rennex was causing problems for Yarra Glen up forward as he kicked two early goals for Yea.
Yarra Glen controlled the midfield and defended well but they couldn’t connect when going forward.
At quarter time, Yea held just an one-goal lead.
The second quarter saw the game open up and Yarra Glen’s forwards capitalised to kick six goals and head into half time 13 points ahead.
Sadly, Yarra Glen lost Ben Ashton and Trent Russell before half time to injury.
Kicking with the wind, Yea was able to close the gap with forward Corbin Sutherland kicking goals from everywhere.
At three quarter time, Yea held an one-point advantage.
The last quarter was frenetic as both sides tackled hard and ran hard.
Some great goals from Nick McKenzie helped the River Pigs to be 19 points up with about four minutes to go.
Not to be denied, Yea kicked the final three goals, the last levelling the scores with just 30 seconds remaining.
It was one that got away for Yarra Glen with scores locked at 14.10 a piece at the final siren.
Best for Yarra Glen, Aussie Smith, Jayden Capuano, Blake Binion, Kurt Raymond,
Sam Wood, Dan Christian. Goalkickers, Kurt Raymond 3, Sam Wood 2, Nick McKenzie 2, Heath Chamberlain 2, Noah Battle 1 Aussie Smith 1, Max DePina 1.
The Yarra Glen Reserves were started kicking into the wind and with the help of some of their veteran players were able to hold Yea to just two goals for the quarter.
Yea lifted in the second as Yarra Glen failed to capitalise on having the aid of a strengthening wind.
Yea were proving to be too quick for the River Pigs as they controlled the game to be 45 points up at the last break.
To Yarra Glen’s credit, they matched it with Yea with both sides adding two goals.
Final Scores Yarra Glen 4.2 to Yea 10.13
Best players, Tom Matthews, Ben Strong, Dayne Downward, Sheldon Smith, Ethan Murdock, Kyle Kime. Goalkickers, Josh Valadon 2, Tom Matthews 1, Matt McKenzie 1.
The Under 18’s was a 16 a side contest with both sides having reduced numbers.
Yarra Glen had beaten Yea in their previous encounter but struggled early as Yea banged on four first quarter goals with the aid of a stiff breeze.
The second quarter saw an improved effort from the Yarra Glen boys as they outscored their opponents.
The third was a carbon copy of the first, Yea handing the ball better and adding four goals to Yarra Glen’s solitary point.
The last quarter was a battle of the backlines with Yarra Glen scoring the only goal for the quarter.
Yea proved to be too good on the day as Yarra Glen went down, 2.6 to 8.13.
Best players: Sam Gloury, John Pavic, Alastair Lowrie, Brody Adams, Lachlan Rutherford, Callum Saunders. Goalkickers Jake Ferris 1, Robert Pavic 1.
The Yarra Glen netballers also hosted Yea with the Yarra girls looking to repeat the clean sweep as per their earlier encounters.
The Yarra Glen A Grade girls put on a great display of disciplined netball.
Moving the ball well with their shooters converting most of their shots. Georgia Crundale finished with an impressive 59 goals.
The defence was tight throughout as Yarra Glen extended their lead each quarter after a great 22 to four opening stanza.
The Yarra girls went on to win convincingly, 82 to 30.
Best Players, Georgia Crugnale, Alana McGurgan, Gemma Ryan.
Yarra Glen B Grade faced a competitive Yea but were able to take an early lead that they were able to extend each quarter.
Leading 31 to 11 at half time the Yarra girls effected a number of turnovers, rebounding well from defence to finish with a strong 56 to 31 victory.
Best Players: Kayla Collins, Skye Corrigan, Georgia Crundale.
The Yarra Glen C Grade girls got off to a great start to be ahead by 12 goals at quarter time.
They maintained their pressure and clean ball handling throughout the game and did not allow Yea to gain any momentum.
After an unexpected loss last week, the girls showed great commitment as they overpowered Yea to win well, 53 to 22.
Best players were: Tayla Pinkster, Ash Shanks, Abbey Page.
With D Grade starting the day for Yarra Glen in sunny but windy conditions, they recovered from a shaky start to hold a three-goal lead at half time.
Despite Yea being lower on the ladder, they showed great spirit in the second half.
In a dominant third quarter, they added nine goals to two.
Yarra Glen fought hard in the last but couldn’t close the gap to end up losing, Yarra Glen 16 to Yea 22.
Best players: Phoebe Boot, Lily Dove, Ashleigh Wallace.
Next week all the Yarra Glen netball and senior football teams will travel to Yarra Junction to compete in the First Nations Round.
The Under 18’s will travel to Alexandra and the Vets have a bye.
